Appetizers

Cowboy Caviar

I’ve seen variations of this recipe many times, but this one has settled in to be our favorite.  This appetizer is a great one for a casual event.  Perfect for hosting some football!  I’ve also used it on top of BBQ chicken and it was delicious.
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Ingredients Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Bag frozen Sweet Corn (I like to use the Trader Joe’s frozen roasted corn)
  • 1 15oz. can Black Beans
  • 1 15oz. can White Beans
  • 3 Avocados
  • ⅔ C – Cilantro, chopped
  • ⅔ C – Onions, chopped
  • ½  C – Tomatoes, chopped
Marinade
  • ⅓ C – Olive Oil
  • ⅓ C – Red wine vinegar (or balsamic)
  • ¾ tsp – Salt
  • ¾ tsp – Pepper
  • 2 generous tsp – Cumin

Notes

Mix all ingredients (except avocados) and let marinate for an hour.  Before serving, add avocados.  Serve with tortilla chips and let the crowd go crazy.  It’s so good!  I’ve also made this recipe the night before and it was fine, just no avocados until just prior to serving. 

BBQ Shrimp Skewers

We typically serve this as an appetizer, but have also served them as part of a main course alongside some BBQ’d tri-tip or chicken.  They’re delicious!
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp (15-20)
  • Olive Oil
  • Lawry’s Cracked Pepper, Garlic & Herb Rub
  • Metal or Wooden skewers

Method
 

  1. Clean and devein raw shrimp (best to use descent size shrimp, not too small)
  2. Spear shrimp on skewers (4-5 shrimp per skewer) and place on a plate
  3. Brush the shrimp lightly with olive oil, and then sprinkle lightly with Lawry’s Cracked Pepper, Garlic & Herb Rub 
  4. Grill skewers on a hot grill for 3-5 minutes per side
  5. Let cool for 2-3 minutes and serve hot.  

Cheese-Chili on Rye

This appetizer was one my mom served when I was a little girl and was always a fav.  As I grew up and learned the ingredients, I wasn’t too sure how all the flavors went together…but believe me it works!
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Ingredients Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Block Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 Block Monterey Jack Cheese
  • 1 Lg. can chopped Black Olives
  • 1 Lg. can chopped jalapeno chiles
  • 2 Mayonaise, +/- for consistency
  • Rye bread rounds

Notes

In food processor, grate the cheddar and jack cheeses.  Place in a large bowl.  Add black olives, jalapenao chilies and mayonaise.  Blend until smooth.  Spread on rye bread rounds and place on cookie sheet.  Place under broiler until cheese is melted.  Allow to cool a bit, place on serving tray and serve warm.  Makes tons!

Havarti-cheddar cheese spread with raspberry preserve

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 C Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 C Havarti cheese, shredded
  • 2-3 Green onions, chopped
  • 1/4C Pecans, chopped
  • 1 T Mayonaise (just enough to moisten mixture & put into a ball)

Method
 

  1. Mix together cheeses, onions, pecans and mayonaise and put in a small bowl lined with saran wrap.
  2. Refrigerate at least one hour or overnight
  3. Remove from bowl & cover with raspberry preserves.
  4. Serve with crackers and ENJOY!
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